a heart to heart with - wylde magnolia
Wylde Magnolia is a brand that I have loved and admired for such a long time for their beautiful, raw and truly authentic creations. So when I got in touch with Katie, I was so incredibly grateful that she wanted to open up about her journey with her incredible brand. Throughout the conversation, my admiration expanded for not only her designs, but for the way Katie thinks, her unique views and her genuine love and passion for what she does.
CAN YOU TELL US LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO CREATING YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRAND?
After spending many years travelling the world, working in myriad jobs, managing the beautiful chaos that is life, I finally landed my dream job as a florist after completing the year-long course.
My following five years were spent working in a divine homewares/florist store where I was further educated about the world of botanical beauty, but more so, I leant about myself, where and who I wanted to be. On this road of self-discovery, I decided to take a leap of faith and branch out on my own.
Our mini tribe moved from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast where, daily, I am inspired by nature’s offerings. I particularly love the sound of the sea punching its power on the shoreline.
With a passion for creating beautiful things, and a desire to make a label my very own, my brand began to evolve and my aspirations were quickly becoming my reality. Wylde Magnolia was born.
It was an awesome jerk to my comfort zone and I quickly learnt to confront the many challenges, uncovering capabilities which I never knew I had.
Your floral arrangements are just so dreamy, where do you find your inspiration?
Thank you! I am always so grateful and humbled, and a little shocked, when I hear people using beautiful words to describe my work.
I draw inspiration from people and places and memories. I believe that if I create something which has visual meaning, and it comes from the honest place which nestles in my creative soul, then each piece will give its recipient pleasure. And isn’t that what we all want? I am so fortunate to have a collection of inspirational boss babes around me. My sister, my mum, Caitlyn from Sunday Lane, just to name a few. To work with, and alongside, other creatives who believe in your dreams and see your vision is the kind of magic which motivates me! My mum...my absolute hero/best friend/miracle maker...her garden is INCREDIBLE! Going home embodies every kind emotion in my heart.
These three ingredients complete the recipe for my creative inspiration:
People. Places. Memories.
How did you find your incredible, unique style and how would you describe it?
Wild and whimsical and dreamy and a little magical!
I have always loved soft, muted, neutral tones. I find them gentle and calming and honest. They readily adapt.
I love texture and flow and abundance. I love raw authenticity and I strive for balance and loveliness and the perfect amount of imperfections.
I guess that my products are a deep reflection of how I perceive myself, a combo of wild and calm and perfectly imperfect!
What do you love most about what you do?
Oh so many things!
I am fortunate enough to work from home and can therefore enjoy the bliss of motherhood with my two baby boys who add real energy to every hour of my day, whilst earning a living doing something I absolutely love.
I set my own goals.
I work my own hours; often late into the night so that I can absorb all the precious moments during the day with my little loves.
I get to create from my heart, my soul, every single day.
I always have new projects on the go, never a moment of boredom.
Breaky dates with my fiancé are a highlight every weekend. He is my rock: in business and love and life. Put simply, I couldn’t do any of it without him. I am eternally grateful that we found each other. I really hope he feels the same way!
From clay to jewels to soaps, candles and florals, our abode is always beautiful chaos and I wouldn’t change it for the world. A cleaner and a nanny would be a bonus though.
Do you have a memory attached to a certain type of flower?
Jonquils will always have my heart. My partner, Michael, could never remember the correct pronunciation so he would always refer to them as ‘John Quel’. We used to joke that we would call our child that name if we had a boy haha...don’t worry, we ended up with Oliver and Luca.
I love the rich peppery and vanilla scents of Jonquils. I love their happy vibe. I love seeing the immediate smile when they are offered to somebody.
They make the 4:00 am flower market runs so worth it!
Do you have any words of wisdom you live by?
Create from your heart and with purpose and with soul. Never underestimate your ability. Never set yourself limits.
What are some self-care rituals you do?
With two boys under two, and running a business from home, time for self-care is in rather short supply these days. However, after a big day of juggling florals and babies and housework and romance, I love nothing more than lighting a candle, pouring salts in the bath, and soaking my mind in meditative thoughts. Just me, candlelight and silence. It is my calm. My therapy.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty to me is the wild ocean on a stormy day.
A field of sunflowers.
Snuggling up under a cozy blanket with a good book and a cup of tea. The warmth of the sun on your skin on a winters day.
Beauty is looking into a mirror and being able to love all that you see. The grey hairs, the laugh lines, the bumps, the birth marks, the lines that made you a mother. Seeing all of this, and being able to embrace your body for all that it is and all that it has been through.
Beauty is about self love and acceptance and courage.
Beauty is about falling in love with your very own story.
xx